The CanadianRockies

A Land of Exploration

The Canadian Rockies are a land of adventure, where must-see destinations are around every corner and experiences of a lifetime are always waiting to be discovered. From the snow-capped peaks to the mountain lakes feeding the surrounding rivers and waterfalls, these awe-inspiring landscapes are home to five of Canada’s National Parks, each with their own unique places to explore.

Places to go, Sights to see

At Cathedral Mountain Lodge, your Rocky Mountain cabin lies perfectly between Yoho National Park and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, and right in the middle of everything the area has to offer. Not sure where to go? Here’s a good list to start with:

Field, BC

FIELD, BC

Field is the heart of Yoho National Park, where a small community of 200 people live their lives to the beat of a different drum. Here you’ll find the adventure lifestyle thriving with plenty of places to hike, view wildlife, or ski and snowboard. It’s also home to one the world’s most important fossil sites, the Burgess Shale.

Yoho National Park

YOHO NATIONAL PARK

Yoho National Park is the land of great hikes and even greater sightseeing. It’s the home of many of Canada’s most iconic natural spectacles and some of it’s best kept secret ones, too, including Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara. Its 28 mountain peaks, reaching up to 3,000 metres in height, aren’t so hard on the eyes either.

Natural Bridge

NATURAL BRIDGE

Only a short drive from Field on Emerald Lake Road, Natural Bridge is exactly what the name suggests. It’s a bridge composed of rocks that have naturally combined together to follow the flow of the Kicking Horse River.

Emerald Lake

EMERALD LAKE

Of the 61 lakes found in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is the largest. And surrounding its stunning shores is an incredible 5.2 km trail filled with equally beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain views.

Wapta Falls

WAPTA FALLS

The 2.3 km hike to Wapta Falls has its own rewards along the way. But nothing compares to the unparalleled view of the vast wall of water diving into the river below.

Peyto Lake (Bow Summit)

PEYTO LAKE (BOW SUMMIT)

With gorgeous mountains all around, the milky blue waters of Peyto Lake are just as much a hidden treasure. View this spectacular lake from the popular lookout.

Bow Lake

BOW LAKE

Not only is Bow Lake one of the largest lakes in Banff, it’s also one of the most accessible. Its calm waters rest at the foot of Bow Summit, just off the highway with amazing views everywhere you look.

Takakkaw Falls

TAKAKKAW FALLS

Towering 1,260 feet above the river below in Yoho National Park, Takakkaw Falls is one Canada’s highest and most stunning waterfalls. The hiking trails leading to its crashing white waters are unequivocally beautiful and easily accessible. But they are only open from mid-June until mid-October. So see them while you can.

Sherbrooke Lake

SHERBROOKE LAKE

Get back to nature on this 3 km journey through forest trails punctuated by mountain views. Soon enough, you’ll discover the peaceful shores of Sherbrooke Lake.

Paget Lookout

PAGET LOOKOUT

To see Yoho National Park in all its glory, take the trail to Paget Lookout. There you will find a perfect view of the valley with Sherbrooke Lake right below.

Yoho Lake

YOHO LAKE

For those looking to head out for an extended adventure, Yoho Lake is an essential stop along the 11.4 km looping trail travelling all around the national park.

The Iceline Trail

THE ICELINE TRAIL

If you’re looking for a hike that’s as challenging as it is beautiful, the Iceline Trail is definitely among the top choices. Best suited to more experienced hikers, its signature circuit climb leads to a high bench with spectacular views.

Banff

BANFF

Known around the world for its picturesque landscapes and natural playgrounds, Banff is one of Canada’s greatest destinations to find adventure. It’s the first national park to be established in Canada, and thanks to iconic destinations, like the Cave and Basin History Site, it’s also the most visited.

Moraine Lake

MORAINE LAKE

The deep blue waters of Moraine Lake are something you have to see to believe. Located in the Valley of Ten Peaks and home to some of Canada’s most iconic wildlife, Moraine Lake is an incredible place to rent a canoe, go for a hike, or simply stand on the shoreline and take it all in. It’s also the location of our sister property Moraine Lake Lodge.

Columbia Icefields

COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS

This one-of-a-kind excursion will take you on an incredible journey from land to sky. Led by the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, you’ll travel to the largest glacier in North America with thrilling sights to see every step of the way.

“The lodge and their staff enhanced this dreamy trip and helped send it to a whole new level! Look nowhere else, this IS the best place to stay during your trip to the rockies national parks without a doubt!”